Covid jab not mandatory, but advisable in larger public interest: Govt to Supreme Court

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jan 17, 2022: In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the Centre has clarified that the Covid vaccine is not mandatory.

"The Covid-19 vaccination is for larger public interest in light of the ongoing pandemic situation. It is duly advertised, advised and communicated through various modes of media that all citizens should get vaccinated," the affidavit filed by the Centre in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for door-to-door vaccination of disabled persons.

 

"However, no person can be forced to get vaccinated against their wishes," the reply stated.

The PIL by Evara Foundation had raised concerns that persons with disabilities were at high risk.

The Centre in its affidavit said that it has "not issued any Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that required persons with disabilities to carry Covid-19 vaccination certificates for any purpose”. However, it added that the ‘Near-to-Home Vaccine Centres (NHCVCs) and the Har Ghar Dastak Abhiyan policy’ have been created to ensure that "door-to-door vaccination of eligible beneficiaries, including persons with disabilities is carried out”.

The country recorded 2,58,089 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours. As many as 8,209 Omicron cases were also detected in the country.

Courtesy:India Today